Omega, the prestige watchmakers, are to replace Canon as title sponsors of the European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre. The new five-year agreement follows a decade of Canon sponsorship of the popular Swiss tournament.
This long-term undertaking underscores Omega’’s strong links with golf. For the past four years they have been associated with the European Masters in a smaller capacity, but will now step into Canon’’s shoes as title sponsor.
Following sponsorship of top class tournaments in Asia in recent years, including the Omega Golf Tour from 1995 to 1998, this extended commitment serves to increase Omega’’s presence in the sport in Europe and at the same time secures the future of the European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre.
The sponsorship deal also guarantees that the tournament, already held in high regard, will be maintained and further developed over the coming years. Commenting on Omega’’s move, company President Stephen Urquhart confirmed that the deal “fits in perfectly” with Omega’’s strategy.
He said: “We have had a number of strong links with golf for a number of years, not only through our sponsorship of major tournaments around the world, but also through our brand ambassador Ernie Els, the world’’s No.2 golfer, who played in this year’’s Omega Swiss Pro-Am last Monday.
“The ideal geographical position of the event, in the heart of Europe in the beautiful mountain setting of Crans-Montana, as well as the enormous interest we see each year for our Pro-Am event, are further reasons for our increased presence at the tournament.”
